Employee Training - ThinkSpace IT

Oct 02

The Anatomy of a Cyber-Ready Business

Cyberattacks are no longer rare events. Every business, from startups to established companies, faces digital risks that can disrupt operations and compromise customer trust. Fortunately, preparing for these threats doesn’t require a huge budget or large teams. With a few intentional actions, you can strengthen your defenses and build a more resilient business.

May 01

Employee Training the Cloud

Protecting Your Business in the Cloud: What’s Your Role?

The cloud gives you the flexibility to run your business from anywhere, the efficiency to enhance your team’s performance and a strategic edge to stay ahead of competitors without a huge cost. But here’s the thing—it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Business on the cloud carries risks that cannot be ignored. Business owners often have this misconception that once their data is in the cloud, it’s fully protected by the cloud service provider. But that’s not quite how it works. Instead, it’s more of a team effort, and you have a crucial role to play. The shared responsibility model When it comes to securing cloud data, both the cloud service provider and the customer have specific responsibilities they are obligated to fulfill. This cloud security practice is called the shared responsibility model. However, if you don’t know which security tasks are your responsibility, there may be gaps that leave you vulnerable without you realizing it. The trick to keeping your cloud secure is knowing where the cloud provider’s job ends and yours begins. This starts with analyzing your agreement to understand what specific security roles are with the provider and what remains within your purview. What’s your responsibility? While every cloud provider may be different, here’s a simple breakdown of what you’re likely to be responsible for: 1. Your data: Just because your files are in the cloud doesn’t mean they’re automatically protected. What you must do: Encrypt sensitive files to make it difficult for hackers to read them if they were stolen. Set access controls to limit users from viewing privileged information. Back up critical data to ensure business continuity. 2. Your applications: If you use any cloud apps, you are responsible for securing them as well. What you must do: Keep software updated, as older versions may have vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. Limit third-party app access to reduce the chances of unauthorized logins. Monitor for unusual activity to prevent potential data breaches. 3. Your credentials: You can’t secure your accounts using weak passwords. What you must do: Enforce strong password protocols to prevent unauthorized access. Use multi-factor authentication as an extra precautionary step. Implement policies that limit access based on roles and responsibilities. 4. Your configurations: You’re responsible for setting configurations up correctly and monitoring them regularly. What you must do: Disable public access to storage to prevent outsiders from accessing your files. Set up activity logs so you know who’s doing what in your cloud. Regularly audit permissions to ensure only the right users have access. Take charge without worry! You don’t need to be an IT expert to secure your business in the cloud—you just need the right people. As an experienced IT service provider, we understand your challenges. Whether it’s protecting your customer data or setting up configurations properly, we know how to do it right. We help you turn your cloud into a safe haven so you can focus on growing your business instead of worrying about tech. Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Jan 08

Cybersecurity Employee Training Incident Response IoT Risk Management Tech Acceleration

Cybersecurity Starts With Your Team: Uncovering Threats and the Benefits of Training

When you think about cybersecurity, your mind might jump to firewalls, antivirus software or the latest security tools. But let’s take a step back—what about your team? The reality is that even with the best technology, your business is only as secure as the people who use it every day. Here’s the thing: cybercriminals are intelligent. They know that targeting employees is often the easiest way into your business. And the consequences? They can range from data breaches to financial losses and a lot of sleepless nights. So, let’s break this down. What threats should you be worried about, and how can regular training protect your team and business? Common cyberthreats that specifically target employees These are some of the main ways attackers try to trick your team: Social engineering This is a tactic in almost all cybercriminal playbooks. Attackers rely on manipulation, posing as trusted individuals or creating urgency to fool employees into sharing confidential data or granting access. It’s about exploiting trust and human behavior rather than technology. Phishing A popular form of social engineering, phishing involves deceptive emails or messages that look official but aim to steal sensitive information or prompt clicks on harmful links. Malware Malware refers to malicious software designed to infiltrate systems and steal data, corrupt files or disrupt operations. It often enters through unintentional downloads or unsafe websites, putting your data and functionality at risk. Ransomware A specific kind of malware, ransomware, encrypts files and demands payment to unlock them. It’s one of the most financially damaging attacks, holding businesses hostage until a hefty ransom is paid. Employee cyber awareness training and its benefits You wouldn’t let someone drive your car without knowing the rules of the road, right? The same logic applies here. Cyber awareness training equips your team with the knowledge to spot and stop threats before they escalate. It’s about turning your employees from potential targets into your first line of defense. The benefits of regular employee cyber awareness training are: Fewer data breaches Well-trained employees are less likely to fall for phishing or other scams, which lowers the chance of a data breach. Stronger compliance Many industries require security training to meet legal standards. By staying compliant, you avoid potential fines and build trust with partners. Better reputation Showing a commitment to security through regular training shows clients and customers that you take data protection seriously. Faster responses When employees know how to spot and report issues quickly, the response to any threat is faster and more effective, minimizing potential damage. Reduced insider threats Educated employees understand the risks, minimizing both accidental and intentional insider threats. Cost savings Data breaches come with huge costs, from legal fees to loss of customer trust. Training can lessen the chances of cyber incidents and save your company money in the long run. So, where do you start? Start with a solid cybersecurity program. This isn’t a one-and-done deal. It’s ongoing. Your team needs to stay updated on new threats and best practices. And it’s not just about sitting through a boring presentation. Make it engaging, practical and relevant to their daily roles. By investing in your team, you’re not just boosting their confidence—you’re safeguarding your business. And in a world where cyberthreats evolve faster than ever, that’s a win you can count on. Not sure how to do it alone? Send us a message. Our years of experience and expertise in cyber awareness training are exactly what you need.

Jan 08

Cybersecurity Employee Training Risk Management

The Role of Leadership in Cyber Awareness: How Business Leaders Can Set the Tone

You invested in the latest security software and even hired a great IT team. However, one misstep by an unsuspecting employee and a wrong click on a malicious link later, you are staring at a costly breach that threatens to jeopardize the future of your business. Scary right? But it doesn’t have to be your reality! The best way to secure your business isn’t just through firewalls or antivirus alone. Your employees also play an equally critical role in protecting your business. When employees lack adequate security training, they can become easy targets and fall prey to phishing scams or malicious malware. That’s where your role as a business leader becomes crucial. You have the power to steer your team to embrace a security-first culture. In this blog, we will show you how prioritizing continuous training and support can transform your workforce into your greatest cybersecurity ally. Why prioritize employee cyber awareness training? Your employees are like the guardians of your castle. But they must be equipped with the weapons and skills they need to defend you from your enemies. Let’s explore how training empowers your employees to: Identify and avoid phishing attacks: When employees have proper security training, they can spot the red flags in a suspicious email. They recognize the telltale signs like unfamiliar sender addresses, grammar errors or unexpected attachments. They also become more cautious when they see a suspicious link. This helps businesses like yours reduce risks by avoiding costly mistakes. Practice good password hygiene: Training ensures your employees know why good password hygiene is so important and necessary to reduce cyber risks. They also learn the value of creating strong and unique passwords, how to use a password manager and the importance of employee accountability. Understand social engineering tactics: Untrained employees can easily fall prey to manipulative behaviors. Training helps them spot if someone is impersonating a trusted individual to extract sensitive information. It also equips them with the knowledge of how to question and verify identities when they suspect someone is impersonating a trusted authority. Handle data securely: A crucial aspect of employee cyber awareness training is educating your team on how to handle data securely. When employees are well-trained and get regular refreshers on storage practices and updated encryption methods, it can greatly reduce cyber risks. Report suspicious activity: Effective training empowers employees to identify and report suspicious activities, such as unauthorized access attempts or unusual system behavior. Trained employees feel confident and are more likely to report issues, thereby preventing small issues from snowballing into serious security threats. The importance of leadership in cybersecurity As the leader of your team, you have the power to set the right tone and practices to ensure your business is protected. When employees see your commitment to improving cyber hygiene, they’re more likely to feel inspired and follow suit. Here is how you can make a difference: Communication is key: Make it clear to your employees that you take cybersecurity seriously. Ensure your workforce understands all security protocols, and explain all key information in an easy-to-understand and relatable language. Make communication a two-way street by encouraging your team to come back with feedback or questions so you can identify any gaps in the training. Set the standard: Instill a culture of cybersecurity best practices into every aspect of your business—whether it’s investing in software, third-party vendors or managing policies related to remote work and data management. Doing so will help you set the right foundation and culture, reinforcing the importance of staying vigilant and proactive. Empower your employees: Ensure your employees have access to password managers, multi-factor authentication and regular cyber awareness training. By empowering your employees, you can be confident that they will play an active role in protecting your business from threats. Promote continuous training and learning: Building an organization with a security-first culture requires time, dedication and continuous effort. Your employee training and learning, therefore, will have to be a continuous process, not an annual event. By investing in ongoing training and learning, you can ensure your employees are updated on the latest threats and security practices. Embrace security as a shared responsibility: Promote a culture where accountability is cherished as a shared value and every employee understands their role in protecting the business. When your team truly recognizes how their actions can impact the business, they can take more ownership and play an active role in securing your assets. Wondering how to get started? A boring, check-the-box training won’t cut it. Your team needs practical training that helps them stay ahead of evolving cyberthreats. But don’t be overwhelmed! You don’t have to figure it out alone. We can help. As your trusted IT service provider, we can help you create comprehensive training tailored to your team’s needs. Let’s work together to strengthen your defenses. Schedule a consultation today and see how we can help protect your business.

Oct 26

Cybersecurity Employee Training

4 Employee Cyberthreat Traits

To succeed in today’s modern competitive business landscape, you need to understand the strengths and weaknesses of your employees. This will equip you to identify areas where employees may need further training, including cybersecurity awareness. Are you sure that your employees can resist threats and prevent cyberattacks? Certain employee traits can indicate a lack of cybersecurity knowledge or awareness. For example, individuals who regularly click on phishing emails or fall victim to social engineering attacks are likely unaware of the dangers of these threats. Similarly, employees who do not adhere to cybersecurity best practices, such as using strong passwords, may also demonstrate a lack of awareness or motivation. If you notice any of these behaviors in your employees, it’s essential to empower them with the latest cybersecurity training and best practices. By doing so, you can help protect your business against the dangers of cyberattacks. In this blog post, we attempt to categorize the most common employee traits so that you can identify individuals who require additional attention. Traits to watch out for Although there are numerous ways to classify employee traits, we believe the four listed below cover the most common character traits. The skeptic Skeptical individuals believe that a cyberattack will never happen to them. They don’t understand the significance of regularly changing their passwords or using two-factor authentication. This callous behavior is exactly what cybercriminals exploit to attack the organization. They have a high success rate when businesses and their employees don’t take the necessary safety precautions. Remember, cybercriminals are out there and they’re very good at staying under the radar, making it difficult to spot them if you’re not actively looking for them. The procrastinator Cybersecurity procrastinators know they are critical to preventing hackers from infiltrating systems, but they’ll worry about finally connecting to your virtual private network (VPN) or deploying that security patch tomorrow. Those with the procrastinator cybersecurity trait also have a love-hate relationship with the dozens of red bubbles on their apps and software. They know that if left unchecked, the situation could quickly spiral out of control, but they will prioritize other tasks and wait until “the next day” to take care of the issue. The naive Although naivete is not synonymous with foolishness, those who are inexperienced in cybersecurity might trust too easily. Do you know people who leave their computers unlocked when they go out for lunch? Or the remote worker who uses the free Wi-Fi at coffee shops? Some individuals even write their passwords on post-it notes; we’ve all been guilty of doing this at some point. While it may seem to this type of employee that they’re surrounded by good people, the threat might be sitting right next to them. The employee with good intentions If cybersecurity best practices were an exam, this type of employee would get an A+. They are cautious of emails with links or attachments, use complex passwords to deter hackers and are always informed of the latest threats. However, even the employees with the best of intentions can be targeted by a cybercriminal and not know it. That’s why providing your team with the latest cybersecurity awareness training is crucial. Conclusion It’s essential for any business to know its employees well. After all, they are the lifeblood of any company. Good employees help drive a business forward, whereas careless employees can drag it down. It’s important to remember that each employee is an individual with unique skills, traits and motivations. It’s up to you to make sure that these individual traits are being put to good use and that your employees receive regular security awareness training to help them all learn and practice good cyber hygiene. Don’t worry if you don’t know where to begin. The experience and expertise of a specialized IT service provider, like us, may be just what you need. Contact us today for a no-obligation consultation to see how easy we can make security awareness training. To learn more, download our eBook “Security Awareness Training: Your Small Business’s Best Investment”.

Aug 10

Cybersecurity Education Employee Training Policies Security

Cyber Incident Prevention Best Practices for Small Businesses

As a small business owner, you may think you are “too small” to be the target of cybercrime because you aren’t a large, multimillion-dollar company. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Although the media mainly focuses on attacks on big businesses, small businesses are low-hanging fruit for cybercriminals. Cybercriminals know that small businesses are less likely to have strong security measures in place, making it easier for them to breach their data. In this blog post, you’ll learn the steps you can take to protect your business from the claws of cybercriminals. Follow these cyber incident prevention best practices While there is no single silver bullet for preventing all incidents, there are some best practices that can help you reduce the risk of falling victim to a cyberattack. 1. Ensure your cybersecurity policy supports remote work When implementing a cybersecurity policy supporting remote work, consider the following: How will employees access company resources off-site? What security measures should be put in place to protect company data? How will remote employees collaborate and share data? Additionally, you should identify any support mechanisms to help employees struggling to adjust to remote work. By taking these factors into account, you can create a cybersecurity policy that is productive, seamless and secure. 2. Provide cybersecurity awareness training for employees Implementing a security awareness training program for employees is critical in today’s digital age. As a responsible business executive, you must strive to ensure that the program is comprehensive, engaging and adaptable to new threats. 3. Deploy software patches Threats to your network security are becoming more prevalent as technology advances. That’s why it’s critical to keep your software up to date with the latest security patches. There are two different ways to keep your software up to date. One way is to set your software to update automatically while the other is to manually check for updates on a regular basis. 4. Have active antivirus and antimalware protection There are numerous antivirus and antimalware solutions in the market, so select one that is appropriate for your company. When doing so, you’ll have to consider the size of your company, the type of data you need to safeguard and your budget. Once you’ve decided on a solution, make sure you follow through with it. This includes installing it on all your company’s computers and keeping it updated. 5. Implement multifactor authentication (MFA) Multifactor authentication is a security measure that requires users to provide more than one form of identification when accessing data, thus reducing the chances of unauthorized data access. This can include something that the user knows (like a password), something that the user has (like a security token) or something that the user is (like a fingerprint). 6. Use a virtual private network (VPN) A virtual private network encrypts your company’s data and allows you to control who has access to it. This can help prevent data breaches and keep your company’s information safe. However, make sure to choose a reputable provider that offers robust security features. 7. Deploy single-sign-on (SSO) and password management A single sign-on solution can make your users’ login process easier by allowing them to log in once to a central system and then access all the other applications and systems they require. This can make the login process more efficient for them. In addition to SSO, a password management solution simplifies the user login process by allowing them to manage their passwords more securely and efficiently. 8. Encrypt your data Data encryption is the process of converting information into a code that can only be deciphered by someone who has the key to decrypt it. It is done to prevent unauthorized individuals from accessing the information. Data encryption is a critical tool in cybersecurity since it can help reduce the exposure of your data to risks and ensure compliance with data privacy regulations. 9. Have backup and disaster recovery solutions It is critical to have backup and disaster recovery solutions in place in case of system failure or data loss. Make sure to research the different options and find the best solution for your company. To ensure that your backup and disaster recovery solutions are working correctly, test them on a regular basis. Collaborate for success If you’re a small business owner, you may not have the time or expertise to implement effective cyber incident prevention best practices. However, by partnering with us, you can leverage our experience to build a digital fortress around your business. Contact us today to find out how we can help you protect your business against potential cyberthreats. In addition, download our infographic titled “Is Your Business Prepared for a Cyber Incident?” for a deeper dive into the concept.

Aug 03

Cybersecurity Education Employee Training Security

Cyber Incident Response 101 for Small Businesses

Imagine it’s the end of a long workday and you’re ready to head home for the evening. However, just as you’re about to leave, you find out your email credentials have been hacked and critical data has been stolen from your business. As a small business, you may have to deal with similar scenarios caused by phishing attacks, ransomware, malware or any other security threat. The question is, do you have a plan in place to respond quickly and effectively to minimize the impact on your business? Remember, the longer it takes to address a cyber incident, the more harm cybercriminals can do to your business, such as severe data loss and damage to your bottom line and reputation. That’s why, in addition to having strong cybersecurity measures in place, you need to have an incident response plan to fall back on. An incident response plan is a set of steps that can be implemented following a breach to minimize its impact and get the company back up and running as soon as possible. Cyber incident response 101 According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), incident response has five phases: Identify There are numerous security risks to be aware of in order to develop an effective incident response plan. This includes threats to your technology systems, data and operations, among other things. Understanding these risks allows you to be better prepared to respond to incidents and reduce their impact. To identify risks, you can start by looking at system logs, examining vulnerable files or tracking suspicious employee activity. Protect It’s critical to create and implement appropriate safeguards to protect your business. Safeguards include security measures to guard against threats and steps to ensure the continuity of essential services in the event of an incident. To protect your business against cyberthreats, you can use backups, implement security controls such as firewalls, and train employees on security best practices. Detect Quickly detecting irregularities, such as unusual network activity or someone attempting to access sensitive data, is essential to limit the damage and get your systems back up and running faster. Deploying techniques such as an intrusion detection system (IDS) is an effective way to tackle irregularities. Respond You need to have a plan in place to respond to detected cyber incidents. This plan should include strategies for breach containment, investigation and resolution. A couple things you can do to respond to an incident are isolating affected systems and cutting off access to every impacted system. Recover Following an incident, you must have a plan in place to resume normal business operations as soon as possible to minimize disruption. These steps can be part of your recovery plan: Restoring systems that have been affected by the attack Implementing security controls to prevent the incident from happening again Investigating the root cause of the event Taking legal action against perpetrators Keep in mind that a well-crafted incident response plan will help you resolve a breach, minimize the damage caused and restore normal operations quickly and effectively. It’s critical to ensure that all staff are aware of the incident response plan and know their roles and responsibilities in the event of a breach. An incident response plan should be reviewed and updated regularly to ensure that it remains relevant and effective. Cyber incidents can occur at any time, so it’s crucial to be prepared. Collaborate with an IT service provider to ramp up your defenses A specialist IT service provider like us may be exactly what your business needs to develop an incident response plan. By employing our expertise and experience, we can help you: Protect your business against cyber incidents Create a comprehensive incident response plan Abide by NIST’s five phases of incident response These are just a few of the ways we can help you with your incident response journey. If you’re looking for help protecting your business against cyber incidents, be sure to contact us to schedule a no-obligation consultation. To provide you with an understanding of the threats small businesses face, we created an infographic titled “Small Business Incidents: What You Can Learn From Their Experiences,” that can be downloaded by clicking here.

Cybersecurity Employee Training

Employee training and Cybersecurity

Employee training & Cybersecurity Employee training will form a big part of the cybersecurity initiative that you will take on as an organization. You need to train your employees to identify and respond correctly to cyberthreats. Here are some employee training best practices that you can make a part of your cybersecurity training program. Create an IT policy handbook Make sure you have a handbook of your IT policy that you share with every new employee, regardless of their position in the company. This IT policy handbook must be provided to everyone–right from the CEO to the newest intern in your organization. Also, ensure this handbook is consistently updated. IT is evolving at great speed and your handbook must keep up Make cybersecurity training a part of your official training initiatives Cybersecurity training should be a part of your corporate training initiatives for all new employees. You can also conduct refresher sessions once in a while to ensure your existing employees are up-to-date on the latest cyberthreats. At the end of the training session, conduct tests, mock drills, certification exams. Good training includes assessment. Provide follow up training for those who need it. This strong emphasis on training will ensure your employees take cybersecurity seriously. Day zero alerts As discussed, the cybercrime landscape is constantly evolving. Every day, cybercriminals are finding new vulnerabilities to exploit, and new methods to steal your data or to hack into your system. Day zero alerts are a great way to keep your employees updated. Has a new security threat been discovered or an important plug-in released for the optimal functioning of a browser? Send an email to everyone spelling out clearly what the threat is and what they can do to mitigate it. Then, follow up to verify they took the necessary steps. Transparency Let your employees know who to contact in the event of any IT related challenges. This is important because someone troubleshooting on the internet for a solution to something as simple as a zipping up a file could end up downloading malware accidentally. Considering the serious ramifications brought on by cybercrime attacks, it makes sense for organizations to strengthen their first line of defense against cybercriminals–their own employees.

Employee Training Security the Cloud

3 steps you can take to protect your data in the Cloud

3 steps you can take to protect your data in the Cloud Moving to the Cloud offers tremendous benefits for SMBs that range from lower IT costs to any-time access to data and certainly more reliability in terms of uptime. But, data in the Cloud is also vulnerable to security threats just like the data stored on physical servers. This blog discusses 3 things you can do to protect your data in the Cloud Secure access: The first step would be to secure access to your data in the Cloud. So, how do you go about it? Safeguard your login credentials-your User IDs and passwords-from prying eye. Set strong password policies that are practiced across the board and educate your employees about good password hygiene. Also, do you have employees using their own devices to access their work-related applications and documents? Do you have staff working from home? Then, you also need to formulate strong BYOD (Bring-your-own-device) policies, so these devices don’t end up as the entry point to cybercriminals. Educate your employees: What’s the first thing that pops into your head when someone talks about cybercrime? You probably picture some unknown person, a tech-whiz sitting behind a computer in a dark room, trying to steal your data. But, surprising as it may seem, the first and probably the biggest threat to your data and IT security in general, comes from your employees! Malicious employees may do you harm on purpose by stealing or destroying your data, but oftentimes, employees unwittingly become accomplices to cybercrime. For example, forwarding an email with an attachment that contains a virus, or clicking on a phishing link unknowingly and entering sensitive information therein or compromising on security when they share passwords or connect to an unsecured or open WiFi at public places such as the mall or the airport with a view to “get things done”, but, without realizing how disastrous the implications of such actions can be. Choosing the right Cloud service provider: If you are putting your data in the Cloud, you need to make sure that it is in safe hands. As such, it is your Cloud service provider’s responsibility to ensure your data is secure and, accessible, always. But, are they doing all that is needed to ensure this happens? It is very important to choose a trustworthy Cloud service provider because you are essentially handing over all your data to them. So, apart from strengthening your defenses, you need to check how well-prepared they are to avert the threats posed by cybercriminals. Complete Cloud security is a blend of all these plus internal policies, best practices, and regulations related to IT security, and of course, the MSP you choose to be your Cloud security provider plays a key role in all this.

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